Art and Design

Overview

At Charlton Park academy we believe that Art is a powerful unique form of communication that transcends different cultures, abilities and ages and can be a lifelong source of pleasure. The teaching of art and design provides students with opportunities to develop confidence, independence as well as providing opportunities for engagement and enjoyment.
Within all art lessons, pupils consistently have opportunities to extend their learning. Differentiated support is given to promote the development of artistic skills and knowledge and scaffold pupils’ next steps. Pupils are motivated to use their skills, e.g. drawing, cutting, collaging and creating sculptures. We encourage pupils to reflect on their artwork, celebrating and analysing what they have created.

Staff

We have 2 Art and Design Specialists who both work part time.
Madeleine is our Creative Arts lead, she has more than 30 years’ experience of working in Special Schools. She teaches pupils in pathways 1 & 2 at Key stage 3 and 4. She also supports staff across the school with resources and training.

Grant is the teacher with responsibility for GCSE and AS Level. He has worked at CPA for many years and has a strong track record of enabling success for those pupils with the ability to achieve at nationally recognised qualifications.

Facilities

There are two designated art and design rooms which also provide a central hub for resources. There is a printing press and a kiln. Charlton Park Academy values the arts and pupils have access to high quality resources which contributes to the success of pupils.

Pathways 1 & 2

At Key Stage 3 pupils have a weekly taught lesson., The curriculum covers skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles and sculpture. Skills are taught through projects that focus on artists who are chosen to reflect the diverse culture we live in.
In Key Stage 4 those pupils with the skills and interest needed complete GSCE.
All pupils continue to have a weekly lesson taught by an art specialist.

Pathways 3,4 &5

Students’ access to art is through a variety of means during the week and it is used to support the learning in other curriculum areas such as communication and social skills. Students also access art through cross curricular events, whole school celebration events and extra-curricular opportunities.

Creative Arts Week

The whole school are involved in an annual Creative Arts Week. These weeks have a focus, for example – ‘Festival of Africa’ (2023), ‘Charlton Fest’ (2024) & ‘Alice in Wonderland’ (2025). We have enrichment activities, provided by outside arts professionals and a big emphasis on fun!

Therapy

Art therapy sessions are offered in groups and individually for blocks of time as identified by teachers, therapists, and key stage leaders

Community

We are very proud of pupils’ art works and these are shared via the school’s social media accounts. In addition we have exhibited pupils work at outside venues.